Maria: Two Years Later

A volunteer ambassador team repairs the roof of home as part of the work of Programa Edifiquemos. Courtesy of First Christian Church, Madisonville, KY.

As we recall the impact of Hurricane Maria two years ago, we are also monitoring the approach of Tropical Storm Karen, forecast to hit Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands today (Sept. 24). We pray for the safety of those in the path of the storm and for God’s peace to calm anxious minds.

Two years ago, Hurricane Maria destroyed the home where Mrs. Rosa and her husband, Mr. Padilla, lived. They had lived in the home for 20 years, but after the hurricane it was damaged beyond repair. After an application and subsequent appeal for FEMA assistance, they began building a small concrete house. ​Their funds ran out before they could complete construction. 

Between Mr. Padilla’s part-time employment and Mrs. Rosa’s social security income, they were struggling to make ends meet as it was; there was no money available for them to finish building a new home. They had not yet installed an electrical system or connected with the power grid, and they were making do with temporary coverings on the doors and windows. It seemed they had exhausted all of the available options. 

Then they connected with Programa Edifiquemos--a ministry of Iglesia Cristiana (Discipulos de Cristo)--and they found a new way forward. Through Programa Edifiquemos, Week of Compassion assisted Mrs. Rosa and Mr. Padilla with the completion of their house, including: installation of doors, windows, and flooring; installation of electrical system and connection with the power authority; and sealing and painting the exterior walls and concrete roof.

Theirs is one of 57 homes repaired or rebuilt so far through Programa Edifiquemos. Supplemented by contract labor, more than 200 volunteers have contributed roughly 8,000 hours of labor to help get families back into their homes.

As we celebrate the good work accomplished over the past two years, we also recognize there is much still to be done! 43 more cases are already in process through Programa Edifiquemos, and across the islands, thousands of families still need assistance. Week of Compassion is committed to working alongside our sisters and brothers in Puerto Rico as they continue in the long process of recovery. Visit this site for more information about volunteering with Programa Edifiquemos.

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